Catalysts for methanol synthesis

Abstract

A method for the preparation of a low temperature catalyst suitable to synthesize methanol or mixtures of methanol and dimethyl ether, comprising forming an alloy containing 35 to 60%, preferably 44 to 50%, by weight of aluminium, 0.1 to 25%, preferably 13 to 17%, by weight of zinc and the remainder being substantially all copper and extracting the alloy with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, preferably sodium hydroxide, preferably at atmospheric pressure and a temperature of from 50 DEG to 80 DEG C., preferably from 65 DEG to 75 DEG C. The resultant novel catalyst is used to produce methanol or a mixture of methanol and dimethyl ether by a process comprising contacting the catalyst with a gaseous mixture of carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide, or a mixture thereof, with hydrogen. This reaction is preferably carried out at a temperature of from 200 DEG to 290 DEG C. and a pressure of from 1500 to 7500 kPa and linear hourly space times of from 0.001 to 0.5 hours.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method for the production of methanol, or a mixture of methanol and dimethyl ether, comprising contacting a gaseous mixture of carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide, or a mixture thereof, with hydrogen, with a catalyst prepared by forming an alloy containing from 35% to 60% by weight of aluminum, from 0.1% to 25% by weight of zinc, and the remainder being substantially all copper, and extracting a substantial proportion of the aluminum content of the alloy with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide. 
     
     
       2. A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the gasses are contacted with the catalyst at a temperature between 215° C. and 290° C. at a pressure of from 1500° to 750° Kpa. 
     
     
       3. A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the gasses are contacted with the catalyst for linear hourly space times of from 0.001 to 0.5 hours.